Are you curious about what types of studies the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) or the broader National Institutes of Health (NIH) have supported in the field of complementary and integrative health?

You can explore this information by using NIH RePORTER, an online resource available at reporter.nih.gov. This tool offers access to a vast database of research projects funded by the NIH.

RePORTER received significant updates in 2020, bringing several improvements that enhance user experience. These include:

• A single Quick Search field for entering investigator names, text keywords, or project identifiers

• Filters that make it possible to narrow results without restarting the search

• Comprehensive project data shown conveniently on one page

Let’s walk through how to use this system.

Searching for Projects on Tai Chi

If you’re researching topics such as tai chi, this is a great place to start.

Navigate to reporter.nih.gov and type "tai chi" in the Quick Search box. Then, click Search.

Your results will display studies funded by NIH Institutes and Centers or specific federal agencies, starting with the most current projects.

Clicking on any project title will show details such as:

• A summary of the research

• Information about its potential benefit to public health

• The researcher and agency official names, timeline, and funding amounts

• A link to the original funding notice

• Any related publications, patents, and study outcomes

Refining Your Search

You can fine-tune your RePORTER search either by using filters or by entering additional keywords.

Filters appear on the left side of the results screen. For example, if you want to see only NCCIH-funded studies:

Select 'Agencies' in the filter list. Then choose NIH > NCCIH to narrow your results.

Alternatively, you could just type "NCCIH" into the search box at the top of the results page and click Search again.

Both methods will help you find projects backed by NCCIH.

Types of Information You Can Put in the Quick Search Box

The Quick Search box can take much more than just topic keywords like “tai chi.” You can also use:

• Names of the lead researchers

• Names of NIH Institutes such as NCCIH

• Project or grant ID numbers

• Institutions or universities that received the funding

• Specific years

If Quick Search Doesn’t Work

Quick Search is designed for commonly used terms and identifiers. Some search queries may return no results if they are unusual.

If that happens, you can use the Advanced Projects Search on the NIH RePORTER homepage, which accommodates highly specific queries.

For example, we tried searching using the FOA number "RFA-AT-19-008." Quick Search didn’t return results, but using the Advanced Search with correct formatting brought up five relevant NCCIH-funded projects.

Find Out More

If you want to learn more about how to use NIH RePORTER effectively and explore its features, an FAQ is available through its site that offers guidance and explanations.

RePORTER is one part of the larger NIH RePORT platform (Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools), which also includes data tools and analytical resources to understand NIH research trends and activity.

For More Information

NCCIH Clearinghouse

The NCCIH Clearinghouse offers reliable information on the center's activities and on methods in complementary and integrative health. They also assist the public in searching databases of scientific and clinical research. Please note that this service does not provide medical advice, referrals, or treatment guidance.

Phone (U.S., toll-free): 1-888-644-6226

Telecommunications relay service (TRS): 7-1-1

Email: [email protected]

Know the Science

NCCIH and NIH also offer educational tools to help you better understand how science and research work. The "Know the Science" series includes videos, quizzes, interactive content, and articles to help you interpret health information and scientific reports.

Topics include:

• An overview of the research process

• Tips for reading scientific journal articles

• How clinical studies are structured

This material is publicly available and not under copyright. Reproduction for educational purposes is encouraged.

Keep in mind: This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making health decisions. Mention of any service or product does not imply endorsement by NCCIH.